Thomas County will be in the path of nearly 75% totality for a PARTIAL solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. The partial solar eclipse is set to occur starting at approximately 1:43 pm, reaching its peak at 3:01 pm, and concluding at 4:23 pm. This will be the last solar eclipse that will be visible on a path across the entire continental United States until the year 2045. 

The Thomas County School System is planning a viewing opportunity for our students and staff to experience the partial solar eclipse phenomenon. To ensure the safety of our students and staff, we will be providing solar eclipse glasses equipped with the ISO filter recommended by NASA. We will take all precautionary measures to make this experience both safe and enjoyable. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Students will not be permitted to look at the partially eclipsed sun through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or other optical devices, with or without glasses. This is a rare event that we are eager to observe and use as an opportunity for learning.

All schools will maintain regular schedules on April 8. The eclipse observation will be incorporated into our curriculum to enhance the learning experience for our students. All extra-curricular and athletic activities will proceed as scheduled unless otherwise communicated by the school administration or respective coach/advisor.

A Solar Eclipse Viewing Opt-Out Form was sent home to parents/guardians last month sharing the details of the upcoming eclipse and providing an opportunity to opt their student(s) out from participating in the activity.

We are excited about the opportunity this event presents for our students to explore science, astronomy, and the wonders of the universe. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child(ren)'s school. We appreciate your continued support of Thomas County Schools!